Mary Davis is now officially a candidate in October's presidential election, having secured the backing of a fourth county council, South Tipperary.

Sean Gallagher is also expected to secure a nomination later today when councils in Carlow and Wexford vote. He already has the support of Leitrim and Meath councils.

A prospective candidate needs the support of four county councils in order for their name to appear on the ballot paper.

It is expected that both Davis and Gallagher will by the end of today have secured the support of far more councils than they need.

Meanwhile, it appears that Senator David Norris's efforts to re-enter the presidential race appear doomed before they even took off -- with Fianna Fail unlikely to provide the signatures needed to get him on the ballot paper.